Mel King

Mel King, a professor emeritus in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning and renowned activist, community leader, and politician, passed away on March 28, 2023 at the age of 94. 

King with extensive experience in the design and implementation of vocational education programs. As executive Director of the New Urban League of Greater Boston, King was involved in various community organization efforts and business development programs in the Boston-Roxbury area.

King documented the development of the Black community in Boston from the 1950's to the 1980's in his book Chain of Change. A former State Representative, King served the 9th Suffolk District of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1973 to 1982, and was a 1983 mayoral candidate for the City of Boston.